PIQUA — Edison State Community College’s Peace Officer Academy honored six students recently following their successful completion of the 20-week program.

Students of the program met for six days each week since January, totaling over 620 hours of training. The curriculum of the program is certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) and covers all aspects of law enforcement training including administration, firearms, subject control, and investigation.

“This last class was a great group of cadets,” said Joseph Mahan, Basic Peace Officer Academy Commander. “They will make fine law enforcement officers for any agency willing to give them a chance.”

Edison State offered the first Basic Peace Officer Academy in 2003 and the class that completed academic requirements this spring was from the 32md academy. Throughout its 13-year history, the program has graduated 421 students. Over the years, 76 percent of the graduates who passed the state exam have become sworn officers in 53 different police agencies throughout the state.

“Many of our students have become officers throughout the region, though they are certified to seek an officer position anywhere in the state. Academy students can then continue their education at Edison State and earn an associate’s degree by taking convenient classes on campus or online,” said Shirley Moore, Dean of Business, Engineering, and Information Technology at Edison State.

For more information about the upcoming fall academy, contact Veronica French at vfrench@edisonohio.edu or (937) 778-7865. Those interested in entering the academy must be 21 years of age and eligible to own a weapon.